Kenyans in UAE Asked to Register for Upcoming Consular Services

Kenya’s State Department for Diaspora Affairs plans to extend its Mobile Consular Services (MCS) programme to the United Arab Emirates in the coming months, bringing government services closer to Kenyans living and working there.

The department has asked Kenyans in the UAE to register in advance for the services they need. Early registration will help officials allocate staff and resources and plan the outreach according to demand in different locations. The government has not yet announced the dates or venues, but preparations are under way.

The Mobile Consular Services programme provides services including passport processing, consular assistance and registration of Kenyans abroad. It also offers guidance on labour migration and safe recruitment. By delivering these services directly to communities, the government aims to reduce the need for citizens to travel to diplomatic missions, which can be costly and time-consuming.

The UAE is home to one of the largest Kenyan communities in the Gulf. Kenyans work across sectors including hospitality, aviation, ICT, retail and security. During a diaspora engagement in Dubai in June 2025, government officials highlighted the economic and social contribution of Kenyans in the Emirates and stressed the importance of strengthening ties with the community.

The department said its mobile consular programme had already reached 121 cities in 55 countries, reflecting the expansion of its services to Kenyans living abroad.

The planned UAE outreach comes as diaspora welfare becomes an increasingly important part of Kenya’s foreign engagement strategy. The State Department’s mandate includes protecting the rights of Kenyans abroad and maintaining their links with national institutions.